Beyonce Frames Frank Ocean’s Coming Out: “Be Fearless”

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Add Beyonce to the list of celebrities who have applauded Frank Ocean for coming out with a story about a same-sex love affair he had as a teen. Just days after the Odd Future singer opened up about his sexuality via his Tumblr page, Bey offered a snapshot of her support.

Beyonce posted a black and white photo of Ocean on her website along with some heartfelt words: “Be fearless/ Be honest/ Be generous/ Be brave/ Be poetic/ Be open/ Be free/ Be yourself/ Be in love/ Be happy/ Be inspiration”

The poem was scrawled over the image of Ocean, who wrote the song “I Miss You” from Beyonce’s 4. On July 4, Ocean made waves when he announced that he had feelings for a man.

“4 summers ago, I met somebody,” Ocean wrote of the personal experience. “I was 19 years old. He was too. We spent that summer, and the summer after, together. Everyday almost. And on the days we were together, time would glide. Most of the day I’d see him, and his smile. I’d hear his conversation and his silence … until it was time to sleep. Sleep I would often share with him. By the time I realized I was in love, it was malignant.”

Since his revelation, the hip-hop and R&B communities have been offering encouraging words. Odd Future leader Tyler, The Creator announced on Twitter, “My Big Brother Finally F***ing Did That.” “Proud Of That N**** Cause I Know That S*** Is Difficult or Whatever.”

Hip-Hop superstar Jay-Z posted a defense of Ocean on his own website written by veteran music critic Dream Hampton. Entertainment mogul and Def Jam founder Russell Simmons editorialized on his lifestyle site, Global Grind.

“Today is a big day for hip-hop,” Simmons wrote. “It is a day that will define who we really are. How compassionate will we be? How loving can we be? How inclusive are we?”